Our Alumni – New Life Dream Center

Voices of Victory: Our Alumni Speak

Real People. Real Recovery. Real God.

"I have the honor of being the first graduate of the New Life Dream Center. I was born into a chaotic, drug-ridden home in West Pittsburg, California, where both of my parents were addicts and convicts. By age 10, I was already in trouble with the law, and by 12, addicted to meth. My life was a cycle of addiction and incarceration—until 2004, when I was invited to a church service and met a pastor who was starting a men’s program. I became one of the first three participants at the New Life Center, where I overcame severe learning difficulties, found purpose, and discovered a life beyond addiction. Through serving the community and participating in outreach events, including disaster relief after Hurricane Katrina, I saw myself as more than just a criminal. Eighteen years later, I’m married, own a business, work for a nonprofit, and mentor men in recovery through the New Life Dream Center and another local recovery program. I also lead a personal ministry, sharing the same hope I received with those still on the streets."

NLDC Alumni Ed

"I was born on Memorial Day in 1963, a day that should’ve been a celebration, but instead, I was abandoned at the hospital. I grew up in an orphanage, foster homes, and eventually became a ward of the state. When I reached adulthood, I was determined to live life my way, but without guidance, I fell into drinking and later drug use. My choices led to multiple jail stints, and eventually, I found myself homeless, living under a bridge and panhandling for beer money. In 2009, I met Pastor Jonathan Gee from the New Life Dream Center, who told me God had a purpose for my life. Desperate for change, I entered the program, began learning biblical principles and recovery tools, and started serving the community. I graduated, moved into transitional housing, and eventually returned to NLDC as a staff member for ten years. In 2014, I met an incredible woman through the program—we married in 2018. Today, I work in the IT field, live in a home with my wife and our dog, and continue mentoring men at the NLDC. By God’s grace, I now travel the world sharing the hope and freedom I found through Him."

NLDC Alumni Alex

"I’m a 61-year-old father of three and proud grandfather, and I wouldn’t be here today if not for the grace of God and the New Life Dream Center. After over a decade of marriage and a stable life in Discovery Bay, addiction took everything from me—my home, my family, and my peace. I spent years trying to get clean, only to suffer a meth-induced heart attack that nearly took my life. While recovering in a shelter, a counselor connected me with a pastor leading a year-long recovery program. Though hesitant due to my lack of education, I eventually joined the program in May 2014. Over the next 16 months, I completed hundreds of hours of outreach, helped others get off the streets, and pursued my education. NLDC became my family, and through God’s love, I found healing, restoration, and purpose. Today, I’m nearly nine years clean, back to work, and reunited with my children and grandchildren. I now share the same hope I found with others still searching for a way out."

NLDC Alumni James